The Giro d’Italia’s bunch got back on the road on Tuesday, and a very long stage was supposed to launch this third week of racing. After almost 230 kilometers and many hills in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Jan Tratnik took the win from a large breakaway. Arnaud Démare and his teammates finished safely and within the time limit on the eve of a big mountain stage.
Stage 16 of the Giro didn’t seem to be the most terrifying on paper. However, its length did not probably please everyone. Also, a ten-kilometre climb was to be ridden after only twenty kilometers. Therefore, the riders needed to be on the alert in case of big moves. “In anticipation of this stage and in order to be physically ready, we had a dynamic ride yesterday,” Sébastien Joly recalled. “We were ready indeed, but we kind of got lucky as a 28 rider-move broke away in the first climb. Then, the bunch did not chase and set an easy enough tempo all day long, which suited us well. In the event of a big fight at the start, we wanted to keep as many riders as possible around Arnaud, in anticipation of the valleys that followed so that we would be able to chase and return if necessary. We therefore decided to remain gathered around him this morning ”.
“It was still a big day”, Sébastien Joly
While the cyclamen jersey was perfectly supported by his teammates throughout the stage, the breakaway gained a considerable advantage and included the day’s winner: Slovenia’s Jan Tratnik. “Since the peloton rode at a decent pace for a good part of the day, we were able to hold on until the final circuit,” said Sébastien. “The guys just got dropped on one of the last climbs, which allowed them to make it within the time limit without any worries, and without spending too much energy either. However, it was still very long today. The bus left at 7:30 am this morning. Some woke up around 6.30/7a.m., which is much earlier than usual. Tonight there is also a two hour-long transfer. With the early start, the very long stage and the return to the hotel tonight, it was still a big day. Therefore, and as usual, we have started massages on the bus”.
Recovery will obviously be a major factor in this last week, where numerous obstacles will stand ahead of the French Champion’s squad. As early as tomorrow, three major climbs are on the menu over the 203 kilometers towards Madonna di Campiglio. “That’s it, we’re reaching the real mountain,” added Sébastien. “There will even be a climb over 1700 meters of altitude. It’s a beautiful mountain stage with a top finish, and it will be tough once again”.
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